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Abstract:

The present invention is generally related to a device and method for
sanitizing a medical instrument with ozone, in particular the invention
relates to a system, method and a device for sanitizing a continuous
positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The device has an ozone
compartment, an ozone operating system and one or more ozone distribution
lines that distribute ozone to a continuous positive airway pressure
device. The device may further include a heater adapter unit to connect
heating systems in CPAP devices while distributing ozone to sanitize the
CPAP device in accordance with the present invention.

Claims:

1. A continuous positive airway pressure device comprising: an ozone
device with an ozone operating system; one or more distribution lines,
wherein said one or more distribution lines distributes ozone from said
ozone device to said continuous positive airway pressure device.

2. A device in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a continuous
positive airway pressure connector unit, wherein said continuous positive
airways connector unit connects said one or more distribution lines to
said continuous positive airway pressure device.

3. A device in accordance with claim 2 wherein said continuous positive
airway pressure device further comprises a water reservoir, wherein said
distribution lines distributes ozone into said water reservoir.

4. A device in accordance with claim 3 further comprising a hose, wherein
said hose is connected to said water reservoir and wherein said ozone is
distributed to said hose from said water reservoir.

5. A device in accordance with claim 4 further comprising a mask, wherein
said mask is in a mask compartment, and wherein said ozone is distributed
to said mask and said mask compartment through said hose.

6. A device in accordance with claim 5 further comprising an exhaust
port, wherein said exhaust port is connected to said mask compartment to
release said ozone.

7. A device in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a heating
element attached to said hose.

8. A device in accordance with claim 7 further comprising a heating
element receptor attached to said continuous positive airway pressure
device, wherein said heating element and said heating element receptor
heat said hose.

9. A device in accordance with claim 8 further comprising a heater
adapter unit connected to said continuous positive airway connector unit,
wherein said heater adapter unit connects said heating element to said
heating element receptor.

11. The method in accordance with claim 10 further comprising the step of
removing said ozone from said continuous positive airway pressure device
through an exhaust port.

12. A method for disinfecting a continuous positive airway pressure
device comprising the steps of: producing ozone in an ozone device with
an ozone operating system; releasing ozone into a continuous positive
airway pressure device; transferring ozone into a continuous positive
airway pressure water reservoir; migrating free ozone from said water
reservoir to a hose; migrating said free ozone from said hose into a face
mask in a face mask compartment; and, removing said ozone from said
continuous positive airway pressure device through an exhaust port.

13. The method in accordance with claim 12 further comprising the step of
adding a timer to control release of ozone.

14. The method in accordance with claim 13 further comprising the step of
delaying start of the continuous positive airway pressure device until
all ozone has cleared from said continuous positive airway pressure
device.

15. The method in accordance with claim 12 further comprising the step of
heating a continuous positive airway pressure hose with a heating
element, wherein a heating element adapter unit connects said heating
element to a continuous positive airway pressure device.

16. A continuous positive airway pressure device comprising: an ozone
device with an ozone operating system; one or more distribution lines,
wherein said one or more distribution lines distributes ozone to said
continuous positive airway pressure device; a continuous positive airway
connector unit, wherein said continuous positive airway pressure unit
connects said one or more distribution lines to said continuous positive
airways pressure device; and, a heating adapter unit, wherein said
heating adapter unit is attached to said continuous positive airway
connector unit and attaches a heating element to heating element
receptors on said continuous positive airway pressure device.

17. The continuous positive airway pressure device in accordance with
claim 16 further comprising a water reservoir in said continuous positive
airway pressure device.

19. The continuous positive airway pressure device in accordance with
claim 18 further comprising a facemask attached to said hose.

20. A medical instrument comprising: an ozone device with an ozone
operating system; one or more distribution lines, wherein said one or
more distribution lines distributes ozone from said ozone device to said
medical instrument.

[0002] The present invention is generally related to a device and method
for disinfecting a medical instrument with ozone, in particular the
invention relates to a device and method for disinfecting a continuous
positive airway pressure (CPAP) device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by abnormal
breathing during sleep. Pauses in breathing for people with sleep apnea
can last from a few seconds to minutes during sleep, often resulting in
significant levels of sleep disturbance, which may result in daytime
fatigue, impaired reaction time, vision problems, and impaired daytime
cognition.

[0004] Sleep apnea is often treated with a continuous positive airway
pressure (CPAP) device. CPAP devices prevent reduction of oxygen levels
in the blood and sleep loss by delivering a stream of pressured air
through a hose to a nasal pillow or full facemask surrounding a patient's
nose. The CPAP devices work by blowing air at a prescribed pressure for
each patient, and keeping the air passage open to maintain unobstructed
breathing throughout a sleep period.

[0005] While CPAP treatment can be a highly effective treatment for sleep
apnea, a major downside with CPAP treatment is non-compliance by users.
Users are often reluctant to continuously use CPAP devices because the
nose and face masks may be uncomfortable. In addition, maintenance of
many CPAP devices has proved to be tiring and difficult for users, as
water vapor running through the hoses and masks of a device may cause
bacterial build-up and require continuous cleaning and prevention as
necessary steps to safely use a device, which may result in further
non-compliance by users. Most manufacturers of CPAP devices recommend
that users perform daily and weekly maintenance on their machines to
prevent bacteria and mold buildup. In this instance, each part of the
CPAP device needs to be cleaned individually, including the mask, the
hoses and the humidification portion, which is difficult and time
consuming for users on a daily or weekly basis. Other CPAP device
cleaning methods include soaking the component parts of a CPAP device in
a mixture of vinegar and water to disinfect the component parts. Because
of the inherent nature for CPAP devices to collect bacteria and mold, a
number of other products are available to consumers to make CPAP machines
safer, including but not limited to:

[0006] Citrus II Cleaning Spray for
masks and tubing, available at www.cpapxchange.com

[0007] Contour CPAP
cleaning wipes

[0008] CPAP tube cleaning brushes, available at
www.cpapxchange.com

[0009] CPAP Guardian, available at
www.cpapguardian.com

[0010] Further, several patents and patent applications have been filed on
CPAP devices, improvements and the like. The patents in the field of CPAP
devices include U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,146,946, 8,051,853, 7,794,522,
7,845,350, 7,676,276, 6,276,304, 7,527,603, 7,767,168, 6,752,151,
6,280,633, 7,022,225, 4,787,980 and US application numbers: 20100111792,
20060130834, 20040251125, 20050186108.

[0011] While some of the existing products, patents and applications
described above refer to CPAP systems, methods and devices, there is no
system, method or device shown that describes an automated disinfecting
system or method for a CPAP device, for ease of use of users and to
improve user compliance. In addition, the use of ozone to sanitize,
disinfect and clean CPAP devices is a long felt need in the art as a safe
and easy disinfectant system for improved compliance of a user, as
described in accordance with the present invention.

[0012] Other systems, methods, device features, and advantages of the
present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art
upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It
is intended that all such additional systems, methods, device features,
and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope
of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with
reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are
not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly
illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the
drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the several views.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ozone device connected to a CPAP
device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a side-view of a CPAP connector unit and a hose
connecting to a water reservoir, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an ozone device connected to a CPAP
device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a top view of a water reservoir and hose with free ozone,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of a CPAP connector unit and a heater adapter
unit connecting a hose to a CPAP device in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 5A is a side view of a CPAP connector unit and a heater
adapter unit connecting a hose to a CPAP device in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a side view of a CPAP device with a heating element,
connected to the CPAP device with a continuous positive airway connector
unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a side view of a CPAP device with a heating element,
connected with a heater adapter unit in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a CPAP device with a heating
element connected to the CPAP device with a heater adapter unit.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a front view of a CPAP mask, in accordance with a one
embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a side view of a CPAP mask and straps, in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an ozone device 100 connected to
a CPAP device 105. In this embodiment an ozone compartment 110 for
housing an ozone operating system 115 is shown in the ozone device 100.
In accordance with this embodiment, the ozone operating system 115
produces and transfers ozone to the CPAP device 105 to disinfect the CPAP
device 105 before or after use by a user.

[0026] In accordance with this embodiment, the ozone operating system 115
pulls in ambient air into an air pump to create ozone. The air pump may
transfer the ambient air to a corona discharge ozone generator, which may
create about 400 mg/hr of ozone gas, which may be used to disinfect a
CPAP device 105. In accordance with this embodiment, the ozone may be
pumped directly into the CPAP device 105 and/or a water reservoir tank
122 from the ozone compartment 110 through an ozone distribution line 118
that connects to the CPAP connector unit 130, for providing ozone to
disinfect the CPAP device 105. In accordance with the device shown in
FIG. 1 the ozone may enter the ozone distribution line 118 when powered
by a small air pump, such as an aquarium pump, and then migrate through
the distribution line 118, through a CPAP connector unit 130, and into
the water reservoir 122. The ozone distribution line 118 traverses into
the hose 124 and the CPAP connector unit 130 and ends with a free end
immersed in the CPAP water reservoir 122. The ozone may then be released
into water in the water reservoir 122, acting to disinfect and sanitize
the water reservoir 122, and may then release as free ozone from the
water in the water reservoir 122. The free ozone may then traverse into
the hose 124, which then carries the ozone into a mask compartment 116 to
sanitize a mask 112. Within about 20-30 minutes from the start of the
ozone sanitizing process described, the ozone will naturally breakdown
into oxygen O2, resulting in a CPAP device 100 with an automated
disinfecting process with ozone passing through and disinfecting the CPAP
water reservoir 122, the water in the reservoir, the hose 124, the mask
compartment 116 and the mask 112. As an additional safety precaution to
make sure all ozone is released from the CPAP device 105 before a user
utilizes the CPAP device 105, an oxidizing catalyst, such as an MgO
filter, may be on the ozone device 100, such as on the back side of the
mask compartment 116 to collect, breakdown and release remaining ozone as
oxygen O2.

[0027] The ozone compartment 110, in accordance with the present
embodiment of the present invention may be any available ozonator or a
like device for creating ozone gas. Ozonators create ozone from oxygen
molecules, often by applying ultraviolet light to the oxygen. Ozone gas
is made of oxygen molecules that have been ionized by radiation to form
groups of three oxygen atoms, O3. The ozone gas is powerful and
effective for removal of odors, impurities and dangerous pathogens,
working by exchanging electron charge with particles that ozone comes
into contact with to form oxygen, O2, from the unstable ozone
O3, a process particularly useful for purifying air and water and
for killing bacteria and microorganisms. Typically, ozone, O3, will
convert back to oxygen, O2, within two hours of the start of a
cycle.

[0028] In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a small air pump
is provided in the ozone compartment 110 to push ozone into the water
reservoir 122. An exhaust port is further provided in the mask
compartment 116 and has two main functions; the first is to draw the free
ozone up into the hose 124 from the water reservoir 122 and into the mask
112 from the water reservoir 122. The free ozone will work to disinfect
the water reservoir 122, the hose 124, and the mask 112. After exiting
the mask 112 the free ozone then will be drawn out of the mask
compartment 116 through the exhaust port into the free atmosphere as
oxygen O2. Further shown in this embodiment is a user interface 111
for a user to set a sanitizing schedule on the ozone device 100 and a top
cover 113 to close the ozone device 100.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a side view of a CPAP connector unit 230 attaching the
ozone distribution line 218 from an ozone device to the water reservoir
222 of a CPAP device in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention. In accordance with this embodiment the ozone distribution line
218 is shown connected through the CPAP connector unit 230, at a ninety
degree angle, and into the water reservoir 222. The ozone may be
distributed from the ozone distribution line 218 into the water 219. The
ozone 221 may effectively sanitize the water and kill bacteria and
microorganisms in the water 219 by oxidizing organics in the water 219.
Free ozone 221 that is left after removing organics from the water 219 in
the water reservoir 222 may then release from the water and pass into the
hose 224 to sanitize the hose and then enter a mask compartment for
sanitizing a mask. By sanitizing the ozone water reservoir 222, the water
219, the hose 224 and the mask after each use, a user may effectively
clean and sanitize their CPAP machines on a daily basis and use the
machine with a decreased risk of discomfort, infection or bacteria growth
in their CPAP device. While the CPAP device may still need to be cleaned
in accordance with a manufacturer's requirements, the present invention
will assist a user to maintain a safe to use device on a regular basis
and improve compliance and use of the CPAP device to treat sleep apnea.
The inventors expect that the current invention will assist people with
sleep apnea to easily disinfect their CPAP device and use their machines
safely in accordance with personal preferences and routine schedules.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a front view of an ozone device 300 and a CPAP device
305 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In
accordance with this embodiment, an ozone operating system 315 may make
ozone, which may enter the water 319 in the water reservoir 322 through
the distribution line 318 and the CPAP connector unit 330. In accordance
with this embodiment ozone enters the hose 324 as free ozone from the
water reservoir 322, and the hose 324 carries the ozone gas to sanitize
the mask 312 in the mask compartment 316. In accordance with this
embodiment the ozone disinfects and sanitizes the entire CPAP device 305
for a user prior to use, including the water reservoir 322, the water
319, the hose 324, the mask 312 and the mask compartment 316. In
accordance with this embodiment, the ozone may convert back to a stable
form of oxygen after entering the mask compartment 316, making a user's
CPAP device 305 easily disinfected and ready to use. In accordance with
this embodiment an MgO exhaust port may be provided in the mask
compartment 316 to collect, breakdown and release remaining ozone to the
atmosphere, as an additional safety measure to make sure all ozone and
free ozone is removed from the ozone device 300 prior to use. Further
shown in this embodiment is a user interface 311 for a user to set a
sanitizing schedule on the ozone device 300 and a top cover 313 to close
the ozone device 300.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows a top view an ozone device 400 and a CPAP device 405
with the top covers removed for viewing the inner parts of the ozone
device 400 and the CPAP device 405. In this embodiment, free ozone 421 is
released from the water 419 and traverses into the hose 424. In
accordance with the embodiment shown, the free ozone 421 will disinfect
the water 419 and the hose 424. The free ozone 421 may continue to
traverse from the hose 424 to the mask compartment 416 to further
sanitize a mask 412, before exiting the ozone device 400 through an
exhaust port. Further shown in this embodiment is a control panel 411 for
a user to set ozone sanitizing schedules in accordance with a user's
preferences.

[0032] In another embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 5, a
heater adapter unit 552 is connected to a CPAP connector unit 530 to
connect a heating element 550 on a hose 524 to a heating element
receptors 554 on a CPAP device 505. The heating element 550 may be used
to heat a hose 524, to prevent condensation of water vapor as it passes
through the hose 524. While heating elements 550 are commonly used on
CPAP devices 505, in order to practice the present invention of providing
ozone to the CPAP device 505 through an ozone distribution line 518 for
sanitizing a CPAP device 505, a heating adapter unit 552 may be required
to attach the CPAP connector unit 530 to a CPAP device 505 with heating
systems. One method of heating the hose 524 includes but is not limited
to passing a low voltage electric current through a resistive conductor
such as copper or aluminum conductor wires 556, which may be woven along
the length of a hose 524 and effectively heat the hose 524, as shown in
FIG. 5. Another method of heating the hose 524 may include using a hose
sleeve of Neoprene or fleece to cover the exterior of the hose 524, which
may insulate the hose from external cold air. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment
with copper conductor wires 556 woven around the hose 524 for heating the
hose 524. In this embodiment the heating element 550 contains copper
conductor wires which connects to copper receptors in the heating element
receptor 554, generating electric heat to copper conductor wires 556 when
the CPAP device 505 is in an on position. In this embodiment a CPAP
connector unit 530 is shown for connecting an ozone device in accordance
with the present invention to a CPAP device 505 to disinfect the CPAP
device between uses. The heater adapter unit 552 is connected to the CPAP
connector unit 530 for attaching the heating element 550 to the heating
element receptor 554, as shown. In accordance with this embodiment of the
present invention, systems, methods and devices to provide ozone to
sanitize a CPAP device 505, hose 524 and water reservoir may be used in
conjunction with heating elements for heating the hose 524. In this
embodiment, the CPAP connector unit 530 provides for the flow of ozone
into an ozone distribution line 518 into a water reservoir, and then into
the hose 524 from the water reservoir, while the heater adapter unit 552
connects the copper wires in the heating element 550 to the corresponding
contacts in the heating element receptors 554 of the CPAP device 505.

[0033] FIG. 5A shows in detail the connection of the copper wires in the
heating elements 550 through the heating adapter unit 552 to the heater
element receptors 554 on the CPAP device 505 in accordance with the
embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5. In accordance with the
embodiment shown, the heating adapter unit 552 is attached below the CPAP
connector unit 530 and copper wires 556 are shown woven around the hose
524.

[0034] FIG. 6 shows a side view of yet another embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIG. 6 a CPAP connector unit 630 for connecting a
heating element 650 heating system for heating a hose 624 of a CPAP
device with a heating element 650 is shown. In this embodiment, cold air
in a room may cause condensation of water vapor in the hose 624 of the
CPAP device and results in bacterial growth in the hose and in a facial
mask. Heating the hose 624 helps prevent condensation of water vapor in
the hose 624. In accordance with this embodiment, a heating element 650
is formed at the end of the hose 624, where the hose 624 connects to a
CPAP device. In this embodiment, a CPAP connector unit 630 is shown
connecting the heating element 650 to the CPAP device 605 so that ozone
may be further added to the CPAP device through the ozone distribution
line in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment the
heating element 650 may work by passing a low voltage electric current
through a resistive conductor which may be woven along the length of the
hose effectively heating the hose.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows a side view of yet another embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIG. 7 a heating system for heating a hose 724 with a
heating adapter unit 752 connected to a CPAP connector unit 730 to
provide ozone to a CPAP device 705 with heating systems embedded therein
is shown. In this embodiment, the heating receptors 754 are located
adjacent to a hose on a CPAP device 705 and may contain copper wires to
transfer electric power from the heating element 750, attached to the
hose 724. In accordance with this embodiment, the heating adapter unit
752 fits over the CPAP hose entry 758 and the heating receptors 754 on
the CPAP device 705 so that the ozone technology in accordance with the
present invention may be connected through the ozone distribution line
718 to the CPAP device 705, while the heating elements 750 already in
place on the CPAP device 705 may still be connected through the heating
adapter unit 752 to heat the hose 724. In accordance with this
embodiment, cold air in a room may cause condensation of water vapor in
the hose 724 of the CPAP device and result in bacterial growth in the
hose and a facial mask. Heating the hose 724 helps prevent condensation
of water vapor in the hose 724, while administering ozone to the CPAP
reservoir and hose in accordance with the present embodiment
automatically disinfects the CPAP machine and prevents bacterial and mold
build-up.

[0036] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the present invention with the
ozone device 800 connected to a CPAP device 805 with heating systems
embedded in the CPAP device 805. In accordance with this embodiment,
ozone is pumped from the ozone device 800 through an ozone distribution
line 818 to the CPAP connector unit 830 to be released into the water
reservoir 822. In this embodiment, a heating element 850 is provided on
the hose 824 to connect to heating element receptors 854 on the CPAP
device 805. In accordance with the embodiment shown, a heater adapter
unit 852 is connected to the CPAP connector unit 830 to attach the
heating element 850 to the heating element receptors 854. In accordance
with this embodiment, the heating system may work to heat the hose 824 to
prevent condensation of water during operation by heating copper wires
856 surrounding the hose. In addition, the ozone operating system in
accordance with the present embodiment may sanitize the water reservoir
822, the hose 824, the mask 812 and the mask chamber 816 as shown.

[0037] In accordance with the embodiments shown, the ozone device will
have a built-in timer so that a user can set the time to start the ozone
disinfecting process at fixed time intervals. Typically, an ozone cycle
is recommended at the end of each CPAP device use for best results for a
consumer. The ozone device in accordance with one or more embodiments of
the present invention will have a delayed start button, so that the CPAP
device will not start until a fixed time has passed since the last ozone
disinfecting process. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a one
hour time period is implemented to prevent start of a CPAP device until
one hour has passed from an ozone disinfecting process in accordance with
one or more of the embodiments shown. In accordance with other
embodiments a two-hour time period is implemented before the CPAP device
can be used after an ozone disinfecting process in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] With reference to one or more embodiments shown, an ozone device is
described including an ozone compartment, an ozone operating system, and
one or more ozone distribution lines to distribute ozone through a CPAP
device. A CPAP ozone air pump distributes ozone to the ozone distribution
lines in one or more embodiments of the present invention. The ozone will
migrate from the ozone distribution lines into the water reservoir of the
CPAP device. The ozone will oxidize organic material in the water,
thereby disinfecting water in the water reservoir. Remaining ozone will
release as free ozone from the water reservoir and migrate as a gas into
the attached hose, mask and mask compartment. An exhaust port in the mask
compartment helps migrate free ozone into the hose, mask and mask
compartment, and releases remaining ozone into the atmosphere as O2
oxygen from the mask compartment. The ozone O3 will disinfect the
water reservoir, the hose, the mask and the mask compartment while the
ozone migrates through the CPAP device in accordance with the embodiments
of the present invention.

[0039] In addition to the device described and shown in the embodiments of
the present invention, methods of disinfecting a CPAP device are further
disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, a method for disinfecting a
continuous positive airway pressure may include the steps of producing
ozone in an ozone device with an ozone operating system, releasing ozone
into a continuous positive airway pressure device; and, migrating ozone
through a continuous positive airway pressure device. In yet another
embodiment, a method of disinfecting a CPAP device with an ozone device
by releasing ozone into a CPAP connector unit, distributing ozone into a
water reservoir, migrating free ozone from the water reservoir to a hose,
migrating the free ozone into a mask in a mask compartment; and, removing
the ozone from the CPAP device through an exhaust port, is described. The
method disclosed further includes a step of delaying the start of a CPAP
treatment for a fixed period of time from the last ozone disinfecting
process for the safety of the consumers. The step of delaying the start
time may range from about 30 minutes to 5 hours, depending on the
embodiment implemented. In yet other embodiments the step of delaying the
start time may range from about 5 hours to 10 hours. In addition the step
of sensing remaining ozone in a CPAP device is an added step in one or
more embodiments of the present invention for a consumer's safety prior
to use. In addition, in one or more embodiments of the present invention,
adding a safety switch in the mask compartment prevents starts of an
ozone sanitizing process until the mask is returned by a user to the mask
compartment. The safety switch is an additional precaution to prevent use
of a CPAP device during an ozone disinfecting process.

[0040] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in
FIG. 9, an improved CPAP face mask 960 and straps 962 are provided to
maximize comfort of a patient during a CPAP procedure. In accordance with
the embodiment, the straps 962 are cut on a bias to maintain elasticity
and fluidity of the straps 962 as the strap rests along a user's head and
face during a CPAP procedure.

[0041] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the present invention, where a
side view of a facemask straps 1062 are provided. In accordance with this
embodiment, the straps 1062 are cut on a bias cut, to maximize the
elastic comfort of the straps 1062 for a patient. In accordance with this
embodiment, the straps 1062 is made of one or more material(s) that are
lightweight, breathable, washable and disposable, for ease of use by a
user.

[0042] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the
present invention, particularly, any "preferred" embodiments, are merely
possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear
understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and
modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the
invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles
of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to
be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present
invention and protected by the following claims.

Patent applications in class Using disinfecting or sterilizing substance

Patent applications in all subclasses Using disinfecting or sterilizing substance